Chapter 229
Alexander continued to smile as Rain guided them straight through the maze, his amusement growing with each decision she made based on his subtle expressions.
“I’m glad you know more about Uncle Ben now,” he said, squeezing her hand gently.
Rain nodded thoughtfully. “It’s comforting to hear that. It’s hard not to be protective of Aunt Melanie after everything she’s gone through. So what happened next? Did Uncle Ben go to prison p>
“Dad managed to bring down that crime syndicate and, with Uncle Ben’s help, he was able to save Uncle Ben’s family and others trapped in that life. Uncle Ben was sentenced to ten years in prison but ended up serving four before being released on parole. That’s when he went straight to my dad and offered to serve him,” Alexander explained.
Rain nodded, remembering how she had heard that her father-in-law was the youngest general in the country’s history, known for his remarkable service. “Father became a general at twenty-three, right?” she confirmed.
Alexander nodded. “Yes, he accomplished a lot at a young age. He was twenty-five, and Uncle Ben was twenty-one when they met that time. Uncle Ben was twenty-five when he was released on parole just before my father married my mother p>
“I see. I heard Father retired early, at twenty-nine,” Rain pointed out.
Alexander chuckled. “Yes, that was because of my mother. She begged him to leave the military duty since his life was constantly in danger. After that, he focused on growing the family business, and the rest is history p>
“Wow, Father-in-law is truly remarkable. And I’m glad to hear Uncle Ben chose to change for the better,” Rain sighed, feeling relieved.
“So you really don’t need to worry about Uncle Ben,” Alexander reassured her. “He deserves happiness now, and I’m sure he’ll take care of Aunt Melanie. Uncle Ben’s been through hell, and he knows better than most what it means to cherish someone,” Alexander reassured her.
Rain smiled, feeling reassured. “That’s a relief. I just hope he tells my aunt about his past p>
“I think he’ll share his past with your Aunt Melanie when the time is right. After everything he’s been through, he deserves to find peace. Also, I heard he’s planning to propose next week. He’s been asking William for advice on how to do it p>
“He’s really going to propose next week p>
Alexander grinned. “He’s been obsessing over every detail with William. I think he wants it to be perfect p>
“I hope Aunt Melanie says yes,” Rain murmured, pausing as they reached another split in the maze. She glanced at Alexander, trying to decipher his expression as she asked, “So, should we go straight p>
She watched him closely, then teasingly added, “How about left? Or maybe…right p>
When she noticed a subtle twitch in his eyebrow, she grinned and confidently pulled him straight ahead.
After some time, they finally found their way out of the maze just as the evening sky began to darken. Rain looked around and frowned, noticing the sudden absence of light. “How come there’s no light around?” she complained, her voice slightly tense in the growing darkness.
But then, she gasped.
In the distance, a soft glow sparked, gradually brightening and flickering to life as fireworks. As she watched in awe, the lights arranged themselves into a message, their colors shimmering vividly against the night sky.
WILL YOU MARRY ME?
The words glowed brightly, casting a warm, colorful light that illuminated the space around them. Rain’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching at the stunning sight before it disappeared into the night sky.
She gulped, her heart racing as she blinked in disbelief at the sound of another flicker. Suddenly, she witnessed yet another vibrant display. This time, the message read p>
WILL YOU STAY WITH ME FOR A LIFETIME?
It was shining brightly and permanently before her.
“Will you marry me, Rain?” she heard Alexander’s soft voice. She turned to face him, finding him holding both of her hands, kissing them gently.
“I want us to have the grand wedding ceremony you deserve,” he continued, his gaze steady and sincere. “We both know that we never officially registered our marriage, so I want to renew our vows formally and have a proper ceremony, if you’ll allow it p>
Rain felt her eyes well with tears. Of course, she wanted that! She yearned for a true marriage with him! “Absolutely, yes!” she exclaimed, tears streaming down her cheeks as she embraced him, holding him so tightly.
“I don’t need a grand wedding ceremony. Just a simple one with our family and close friends will be enough for me,” she murmured, trying to contain her emotions.
Everything in her life felt so perfect lately that Rain was overwhelmed, a mix of joy and fear swirling within her. She wasn’t used to this kind of happiness. “I love you,” Alexander whispered, gently cupping her face to look into her eyes. “I love you,” he repeated, his gaze steady, before leaning in to kiss her forehead.
“I love you too,” Rain said firmly, rising on her tiptoes to press her lips to his.
Meanwhile, while everyone had already left, William and his father lingered on the balcony of the mansion, quietly playing chess as they waited for dinner to be ready. William sipped wine while his father enjoyed tea.
“I can’t believe he actually took that suggestion,” William muttered, glancing toward the distant fireworks display a while ago. Shaking his head, he grumbled, “I barely recognize my own brother anymore p>
“Well, that’s what a man in love will do,” his father remarked with a grin. Then, as if recalling something, he raised an eyebrow and asked, “And what about Ben? What did you suggest for him p>
William’s grin widened. “I told him to use our yacht and take Aunt Melanie on a tour of the bay. I’ve already arranged everything to make it as romantic as possible p>
“That’s good, make sure you give Ben all the support he needs,” Rock said with a satisfied nod.
William leaned back, swirling his wine thoughtfully. “Dad, about the hunting event… Do you think Carla will cause a scene? I heard she’ll come back home next week, so I’m sure she’ll be attending the hunting event. I mean, she’s always been nice to us, and she also loved Alexander for so long that I feel like it’s more of an obsession. Remember how she practically scared off every woman who even glanced his way during high school and college p>
Rock stroked his chin, thinking it over. “Hmm, I wouldn’t worry too much. Your sister-in-law can handle it. Rain’s stronger than you think. But honestly, what concerns me more is Ben’s proposal… I just hope it goes smoothly p>
William chuckled lightly. “Uncle Ben’s got this. Though I’ll admit, it does feel like everyone’s treading on emotional landmines lately p>
“Including you, I guess Rock scoffed, raising an eyebrow.
William smirked and took another sip of his wine. “Touche, Dad. But let’s not get into that right now,” he said, shaking his head slightly. “I’m just trying to stay out of the spotlight for once p>
Rock chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Good luck with that. In this family, the spotlight tends to find you, whether you want it or not p>
William sighed dramatically. “Yeah, no kidding p>